Those of you who have been to WTM will need no encouragement to attend. It is a truly monumental event, a red letter date in the diary for anyone who works in the travel industry. Over the course of the three days billions of pounds of business will be transacted, new contacts made and established relationships reinforced. 

WTM will also be a productive and hectic few days for members of the ABTA team as we meet with senior government officials from destinations around the world to discuss ways we can work together over areas of mutual concern. It will also be a busy time for me, in particular my contribution as part of a panel on Tourism for All: The Business Case for Inclusive Tourism. The travel industry has come along in leaps in bounds in its provision of trips and services to people with disabilities, but there is so much more that can be done.  I will be speaking alongside Harold Goodwin from Responsible Tourism, Fiona Jarvis CEO of Blue Badge Style and the inspirational motivational speaker Amar Latif founder of Traveleyes, about his own experience as a blind world traveller. 

Making your products more accessible to people with disabilities is not only a moral obligation; it also makes business sense. I look forward to seeing you on 4 November at 14.45 in the UKI & International Inspiration Zone. 

Our session is just part of an extensive and varied programme of business sessions with input from industry leaders, experts, politicians and academics, that will offer an unrivalled range of thought-provoking and educational experiences throughout WTM. I would strongly recommend taking the time to look at the programme of events and prioritise those that will be of the most use and interest for you and your business.

Old WTM hands will need no reminding that if you want to maximise the benefits of attending, planning is essential, whether that’s choosing which seminars or talks to go to or meeting other delegates and exhibitors conducting business at one of the stands. 

You can visit the team from ABTA on our stand TP170. 

Lastly, never forget that we work in an industry that’s in the business of providing good times and fun experiences. WTM has some of the best social events and parties laid on by destinations that know how to host, so don’t forget to enjoy yourself too!   

Clare Jenkinson
Senior Destinations & Sustainability Manager